Water saver toilet bowl flush system

ABSTRACT

A two-level selective volume valve assembly for providing optional light and heavy flushes in toilets having storage tanks; twisting the control actuates a quick-opening flapper type upper valve which releases water from a higher level only; pushing the control actuates a lower straight-lift valve closure which carries with it the upper valve and a tube spacing the two, releasing the full capacity of the tank; single clamp installation and adjustment of the valve assembly, single-screw installation of the double acting control, and use of commonly available toilet valve parts and control parts modified to the special design of the invention are other features of the invention.

United States Patent [1 1 Smolinski et al.

[ Sept. 18, 1973 WATER SAVER TOILET BOWL FLUSH SYSTEM [76] Inventors:William H. Smolinski, 530 S.

Kenwood Ave; Barton B. Skeen, 6020 Bellona Ave., both of Baltimore, Md.21212 3,234,566 2/1966 Rupp 4/67 R Primary Examiner-Henry K. ArtisAtt0rney-1ohn F. McClellan, Sr.

[57] ABSTRACT A two-level selective volume valve assembly for providingoptional light and heavy flushes in toilets having storage tanks;twisting the control actuates a quickopening flapper type upper valvewhich releases water from a higher level only; pushing the controlactuates a lower straight-lift valve closure which carries with it theupper valve and a tube spacing the two, releasing the full capacity ofthe tank; single clamp installation and adjustment of the valveassembly, single-screw installation of the double acting control, anduse of commonly available toilet valve parts and control parts modifiedto the special design of the invention are other features of theinvention.

11 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures WATER SAVER TOILET BOWL FLUSH SYSTEM Thisinvention relates generally to fluid handling systems and specificallyto sanitary plumbing devices of the flush-toilet type.

Although the flush toilet has been in use for many years, and althoughthe need for saving water becomes recognized as increasingly importantwith each year, a selective flush water saving toilet has not foundwidespread acceptance.

The ordinary flush toilet was designed without any consideration offlush selection for economy in the use of water or for alleviation ofsewage problems. With the ordinary tank which holds about four gallonsand is flushed about six times per person per day, water consumption isabout 24 gallons per person per day. With the present invention,assuming one complete flush and five one-third tank flushes per personper day, savings can be expected to amount to about twelve gallongs perperson per day. As the average domestic use per person is about sixtygallons per day, domestic use savings with the present invention can beexpected to be about percent. It is calculated that the invention willpay for itself in less than a year of operation.

In the prior art the concept of plural level flush tanks and selectivecontrols for same has been disclosed in patents, including U.S. Pat.Nos. 3,186,007, 3,151,337 and 3,080,567 as examples.

In spite of these and other attempts at providing for the needs of waterconservation, the complexities of installation and operation and highcosts have apparently prevented old-art designs from the universaladoption which must eventually take place if water supplies of thenation are to be properly conserved.

Both in the country, where individual water-supply and septic systemsare the rule, and in towns arid cities, where centralized systems areavailable, overdemand on water supply and overproduction of fluid wastescan be attributed in substantial part to water waste in sanitarysystems.

Principal objects, therefore, of the present invention are to provide asimple, direct, low-cost device for drastically reducing unnecessaryconsumption of water in toilet flushing.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plurallevel adapter fortank-type water closets which allows the user to select betweenpredetermined quantities of flush water according to need, therebypreventingexcessive expenditure of flush water where not needed.

A further object of the invention is to provide a unique selector fortank control which simplifies a choice of predetermined quantities ofwater to be used and which prevent mistakes which would otherwise wastewater.

And further objects of the invention are to provide a toilet-flushsystem and control as described which is adaptable and simple enough forthe average homeowner to install in his own flush tank, regardless ofage, make, model or capacity, and which produces minimum reduction inoverall tank capacity.

Still further objects are to provide a system as de scribed which willbecome a standard article of commerce for the purposes set forth becauseof adjustability, simplicity, reliability, durability, speed andthoroughness of operation.

And final objects of the invention are to provide a device as describedwhich makes maximum use of conventional, readily available components,thereby affording economy and efficiency of manufacture, and which iscompact and self-contained, so that it does not require room taken byother components in the tank and can be installed without anyinterference before, during, or after completion of installation.

The above and other advantages and objects of this invention will becomemore readily apparent on examination of the following description,including the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front elevation, partly in section, illustrating a mode ofoperation of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation, partly in section, illustrating anothermode of operation of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation detailing mechanisms shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;

FIG. 4 is an exploded assembly-detail of a portion of the invention infront elevation;

FIG. 5 is a front elevation detail of one mode of the selector mechanismof the invention;

FIG. 6 is a front elevation of another mode of the selector mechanism ofthe invention; and

FIG. 7 is an exploded assembly-detail of a portion of the invention.

In the drawings, like parts are indicated by like numerals.

Turning to the drawings in detail, H65. 1 and 2 show a typical toiletflush tank or water closet storage tank T. The tank has a standard drainpipe D and overflow standpipe S integrally interconnected with andsupported by the drainpipe. The drainpipe connects in the usual mannerwith a toilet bowl, not shown, and the tank T has a lid L at the top.The normal water level in the tank is maintained at N approximately byan ordinary float-controlled supply, not shown.

The invention 10 includes a valve assembly 12 and a selective controlassembly 14. The valve assembly includes upper valve 16 subassemblylower valve subassembly 18.

FIGS. 1 and 2 respectively indicate two modes of use or operation of theinvention.

FIG. I shows a light flush, or No. l flush."

When the user (indicated by hand H) desires a light flush as when onlyliquid waste is to be displaced from the commode, the user simply twiststhe selector 20 clockwise. Twisting the selector clockwise swings bellcrank 22 clockwise lifting upper valve closure 24 free of valve spacertube 26 allowing the volume of water stored above the top 28 of thevalve spacer tube to fall through the tube into drainpipe D. Since theupper valve closure 24 pivots on a flexible-arm connection 30 whichextends almost parallel with the horizontal direction of upper valveactuator chain 32 the lift is more tangential than direct. Because ofthe tangential linkage a relatively small movement of the chain producesa relatively .large, sudden opening of the upper valve closure, freesthe water trapped above valve spacer tube 26, and lets it fall freelydownward for high speed redirected passage through the toilet bowl below(not shown) efficiently clearing waste fluid from the bowl.

FIG. 2 shows a heavy flush, or No. 2 flush.

When the user (indicated by hand H) desires a heavy flush, as when solidmatter is to be swept from the commode by a sustained downpouring ofwater, the user presses the selector 20 inward. Pressing the selectorinward lifts chain 34 and bell crank 36 upward. Lifting bellcrank 36slides the entire valve assembly 12, including lower valve closure 38,straight upward on standpipe 5 and well clear of drainpipe D, allowingall the stored water above the level of the drainpipe to swirl downthrough the drain with minimum resistance. The prolonged free-swirlingaction produced efficiently scours the bowl in the normal mannerexpected from the best designed conventional flush arrangements.Flushing aperture and thus violence of the flushing action areadjustable by screwclamp 40, which sets the height to which the valvemechanism 12 can be raised, in the normal manner, allowing tankdepletion to the predetermined level.

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the mechanism described in reference to FIGS. 1and 2. The wall of tank T, the drainpipe D, and the standpipe Scompletely and simply support the mechanisms of the invention 10.

Valve assembly 12 is unitary and slides on standpipe S. Selector fitsthe standard flush-handle opening in all tanks, and is retained by a nutwhich engages a portion of the body of the selector. Chains 32 and 34adjustably connect the selector with the upper and lower valve closures24 and 38.

FIG. 4, an exploded view, shows the various parts of valve assembly 12,and the simple assembly relations.

The main body of the valve assembly consists of integrally molded, orcemented together, or otherwise affixed valve spacer tube 26, slidertube 44, and connective arms 46, 48 which join them. The parts arepreferably of rigid plastic such as polystyrene, and solid, except forthe arms, which are preferably hollow to provide slight positivebuoyancy to the entire valve assembly 12, permitting float-operationwhen raised. Valve spacer tube 26 is preferably of about the samediameter as a standard drainpipe D, and force fits into annular rubberlower-valve closure 38 which also may have at tachment 50 to slider tube44 for additional security. Lower valve closure 38 terminates in aconical flexible flange 52 which fits the standard conical recess C indrainpipes such as drainpipe D.

The lower valve closure is easily made from a heavyduty typeflapper-valve, which is available at most plumbing supply stores, bycutting the circular hole necessary for receiving the larger tube.

Upper valve closure 24 is also rubber and has an extension 54 with ahole 56 which force-fits to slider tube 44. The opposite end of theupper valve closure has a conical protrusion 58 which fits the upper endof the larger tube 26. The intermediate portion of the upper valveclosure serves as a flexible hinge. The whole forms a flapper-typedevice of the type which is also commonly available at plumbing supplystores.

The upper valve closure has a molded or other connection for engagementwith the horizontally arranged chain 32. The lower valve closure 38 hasa similar connection with the vertically arranged chain 34.

Slider tube 44 has an elongated vertical slot 60 in the side away fromthe valve spacer tube. Slot 60 receives screwclamp 40, which comprises acircular band 62 for fitting to the smaller tube with a screw 64 forclamping it in position.

The sides 66 of the slot are parallel, and are spaced to receive andguide on a parallel-sided protrusion 68 on the screwclamp, on which theyguide as the valve assembly 12 rises and falls.

The screwclamp 40 thus is easily adjusted so that one settingestablishes the upper limit to which the valve assembly l2 rises and theside-to-side centering of the lower valve closure 38 over the conicalrecess C in the drainpipe D.

Adjustment of the upper valve seat is equally easy, being made by manualsliding and rotation of the perforated extension 54 on slider tube 44 onwhich it rides.

As indicated by the phantom lines, the screwclamp is readily assembledinside the smaller tube by threading it screw-first up through thebottom or down through the top of the smaller tube.

To install the device a homeowner has simply to remove any existingvalve equipment attached to the standpipe and drainpipe, remove theexisting handle, attach the new valve assembly 12 to the standpipe usingthe one screwclamp 40, and attach the selector assembly 20 in the tankwall in place of the handle. After connection of the two chains, the jobis complete.

FIGS. 5 and 6 detail the two positions of operation which produce thetwo flushes described, No. l for a light flush and No. 2 for a heavyflush, depending on whether the button is twisted or pushed.

Twisting and pushing are completely different actions, and even a smallchild can learn the difference, so that when told to do one or the otherin flushing the toilet he can easily obey. Likewise, adult users caneasily form the habit of selecting the correct flush.

A cardinal feature of the invention is that twisting results in anaction of the mechanism which in no way interferes with the pushingaction, and vice versa, and the two actions are exclusive, with nopossibility of mixing.

FIG. 7 shows in exploded relation the mechanism which allows the uniqueselection and operation.

Frame 70 of the selector 20 consists of a hollow square 72 having acentral threaded protrusion 74 with a hole 76 passing through. Squareshoulder 73 prevents rotation of the frame by fitting the square holewhich is standard in toilet tanks. Nut 78 secures the frame to anystandard tank, with the hollow square outside.

Actuator-button 80, which is square, fits within hollow square 72 whenpushed, and otherwise is held just free of it, in position to betwisted, by slotted shank 82. Slotted shank 82 extends integrally fromthe square actuator-button through hole 76 in frame 70 of the selector.The end 84 of the slotted shank is square, and has a tapped hole.

The square end 84 fits with square hole 86 in the horizontal chainactuating bell crank 22, and is retained by round head screw 88 intapped hole 90 in the end of square end 84.

When the square actuator-button 80 is twisted clockwise, it thus rotatesbell crank 22, pulling horizontal chain 32 and opening upper valveclosure 24 as shown in FIG. 1.

The square actuator-button 80 cannot be turned counterclockwise becauseslot 92 engages the protrusive end of key-screw 94, which fixes yoke 96to the end of central threaded protrusion 74 and then passes throughhole 76 engaging the slot,and because the slot has a circumferentialenlargement 98 enabling actuator button rotation in only the onedirection.

When turned, the square actuator-button will not fit into frame 70 sinceit is almost size-to-size with hollow square 72, but when not turned, itcan be freely pushed into hollow square 72.

Pushing the square actuator-button 80 axially advances the head of screw88 against pivotal link 100. Pivotal link 100 is pivoted at hole 102 tothe perforated arms of yoke 96 by cotter-key 104 or other suitablemeans, and has an oversize hole 106 which loosely receives verticalchain bell crank 36. Vertical chain bellcrank 36 has a right-angle bendportion which pivots it in hole 108 in yoke 96.

When the head of screw 88 is axially advanced against pivotal link 100by a push on square actuator button 80, vertical chain bell-crank isrotated upward by pivotal link 100, raising valve assembly 12 by thevertical chain 34.

The weight of the mechanism returns the square button to the beginningposition when the chosen flush is completed.

It will be noted that the twist and push actions of the invention arenot only separated but that they also cannot interfere and that theycannot be operated in an incorrect direction.

As in the case of the valve assembly, all the critical parts of theselector can be common, commercially available flush toilet parts,modified to the special design of this invention.

Those parts which are not commonly found in flush toilets, such as theuniform diameter, uniform wall, free-flowing valve spacer tube 26, areeconomically obtainable from stock.

The unit consisting of the slider tube 44, valve spacer tube 26 and theconnective arms 46, 48 is preferably to be molded in one piece ofplastic.

Obviously many modifications and variations of the present invention arepossible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to beunderstood that within the scope of the appended claims the inventionmay be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by U.S. Letters Patent is:

1. ln a toilet bowl flush assembly having a tank with one wallperforated for a flush lever and a removable cover, and inside the tanka drain having a circular aperture and a vertical standpipe connected tothe side of the drain, the improvement comprising: means for slidablyengaging the standpipe; means, integral with the slidably engagingmeans, for sealing the circular opening of the drain, thereby defining afirst flush level; said means for sealing at the circular aperture ofthe drain being vertically elongate and having a vertical passagetherethrough into the drainpipe; means, integral with the slidablyengagingmeans, for sealing the upper end of said vertical passage,thereby defining a second flush level and means for selectively openingthe means for sealing the circular aperture and the means for sealingthe upper end of the vertical passage.

2. ln a toilet bowl flush assembly as recited in claim 1, the verticallyelongate means for sealing at the circular aperture of the draincomprising a substantially uniform tube and an annulus of resilientmaterial integral with the lower end thereof for thereby sealing thecircular aperture of the drain on contact therewith.

3. In a toilet flush bowl as recited in claim 2, the means for sealingthe upper end of said vertical passage comprising a tapered closure ofresilient material I adapted for removable engagement with the upper endof said tube.

4. In a toilet flush as recited in claim 3, the means for slidablyengaging the standpipe comprising a tubular member having a verticalslot with parallel sides and a limit at the bottom, and means unitingthe tubular member with said tube.

5. In a toilet flush as recited in claim 4, a clamp adapted to slideover said standpipe with the slotted tubular member, the clamp having anextended portion adapted to guide the parallel sides of said verticalslot and to strike said limit at the bottom of the vertical slot at oneextreme ofmotion, and means for adjustably and simultaneously fixing theclamp in rotative and vertical position on the standpipe, whereby fixingthe clamp on the standpipe in adjustment both laterally centers saidanunulus of resilient material over the drain, and limits the degree ofopening therebetween on actuation of said means for selectively opening.

6. ln a toilet flush as recited in claim 1, the means for selectivelyopening the means for sealing at the circular aperture of the drainincluding a vertically deployed tensile member adapted for raising saidmeans for slidably engaging the standpipe, the means for sealing theupper end of the vertical passage having a pivotal extension, and themeans for selectively opening the means for sealing the upper end of thevertical passage including a horizontally deployed tensile membertangentially arranged with respect thereto for actuating said pivot.

7. In a toilet flush as recited in claim 6, the means for selectivelyopening including a control passing through said tank wall perforationand being rotatable therein, a first arm rotatable by rotation of saidcontrol, and a connection between said first arm and horizontallydeployed tensile member for thereby pivotally opening the means forsealing the upper end of the vertical passage, permitting flushing tosaid first level on rotation of said rotatable control.

8. in a toilet flush as recited in claim 7, said control being axiallymovable on axial push of a portion thereof exterior the tank, a secondarm adapted for vertical movement by axial movement of the control, anda connection between said second arm and vertically deployed tensilemember for thereby raising said means for slidably engaging thestandpipe, thereby opening the means for sealing the circular apertureat the drain and permitting flushing to said second level on a said pushof the control.

9. In a toilet flush as recited in claim 8, said means for selectivelyopening including a frame portion engaging the tank wall and adapted forslidable engagement with the control when the control is axially pushed,thereby providing said selective opening by preventing simultaneous pushand rotation of the control.

l0. ln a toilet flush as recited in claim 7, the adaption for verticalmovement of the second arm including a frame member passing through thetank wall and slidably receiving the control, a link'having a holetherethrough, the link being pivoted to the frame member and extendinginto the path of axial travel of the control, and a yoke, said secondarm being pivotally attached to the yoke and passing through the hole inthe link, whereby axial travel of the control when pushed pivots thelink, rotating said second arm upward, and whereby the weight of saidlink and arm acts to reposition said control axially when the control isnot being pushed.

11. In a toilet flush as recited in claim 3, the means for slidablyengaging the standpipe being buoyant.

1. In a toilet bowl flush assembly having a tank with one wallperforated for a flush lever and a removable cover, and inside the tanka drain having a circular aperture and a vertical standpipe connected tothe side of the drain, the improvement comprising: means for slidablyengaging the standpipe; means, integral with the slidably engagingmeans, for sealing the circular opening of the drain, thereby defining afirst flush level; said means for sealing at the circular aperture ofthe drain being vertically elongate and having a vertical passagetherethrough into the drainpipe; means, integral with the slidablyengaging means, for sealing the upper end of said vertical passage,thereby defining a second flush level and means for selectively openingthe means for sealing the circular aperture and the means for sealingthe upper end of the vertical passage.
 2. In a toilet bowl flushassembly as recited in claim 1, the vertically elongate means forsealing at the circular aperture of the drain comprising a substantiallyuniform tube and an annulus of resilient material integral with thelower end thereof for thereby sealing the circular aperture of the drainon contact therewith.
 3. In a toilet flush bowl as recited in claim 2,the means for sealing the upper end of said vertical passage comprisinga tapered closure of resilient material adapted for removable engagementwith the upper end of said tube.
 4. In a toilet flush as recited inclaim 3, the means for slidably engaging the standpipe comprising atubular member having a vertical slot with parallel sides and a limit atthe bottom, and means uniting the tubular member with said tube.
 5. In atoilet flush as recited in claim 4, a clamp adapted to slide over saidstandpipe with the slotted tubular member, the clamp having an extendedportion adapted to guide the parallel sides of said vertical slot and tostrike said limit at the bottom of the vertical slot at one extreme ofmotion, and means for adjustably and simultaneously fixing the clamp inrotative and vertical position on the standpipe, whereby fixing theclamp on the standpipe in adjustment both laterally centers saidanunulus of resilient material over the drain, and limits the degree ofopening therebetween on actuation of said means for selectively opening.6. In a toilet flush as recited in claim 1, the means for selectivelyopening the means for sealing at the circular aperture of the drainincluding a vertically deployed tensile member adapted for raising saidmeans for slidably engaging the standpipe, the means for sealing theupper end of the vertical passage having a pivotal extension, and themeans for selectively opening the means for sealing the upper end of thevertical passage including a horizontally deployed tensile membertangentially arranged with respect thereto for actuating said pivot. 7.In a toilet flush as recited in claim 6, the means for selectivelyopening including a control passing through said tank wall perforationand being rotatable therein, a first arm rotatable by rotation of saidcontrol, and a connection between said first arm and horizontallydeployed tensile member for thereby pivotally opening the means forsealing the upper end of the vertical passage, permitting flushing tosaid first level on rotation of said rotatable control.
 8. In a toiletflush as recited in claim 7, said control being axially movable on axialpush of a portion thereof exterior the tank, a second arm adapted forverticaL movement by axial movement of the control, and a connectionbetween said second arm and vertically deployed tensile member forthereby raising said means for slidably engaging the standpipe, therebyopening the means for sealing the circular aperture at the drain andpermitting flushing to said second level on a said push of the control.9. In a toilet flush as recited in claim 8, said means for selectivelyopening including a frame portion engaging the tank wall and adapted forslidable engagement with the control when the control is axially pushed,thereby providing said selective opening by preventing simultaneous pushand rotation of the control.
 10. In a toilet flush as recited in claim7, the adaption for vertical movement of the second arm including aframe member passing through the tank wall and slidably receiving thecontrol, a link having a hole therethrough, the link being pivoted tothe frame member and extending into the path of axial travel of thecontrol, and a yoke, said second arm being pivotally attached to theyoke and passing through the hole in the link, whereby axial travel ofthe control when pushed pivots the link, rotating said second armupward, and whereby the weight of said link and arm acts to repositionsaid control axially when the control is not being pushed.
 11. In atoilet flush as recited in claim 3, the means for slidably engaging thestandpipe being buoyant.